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After the implementation of Penguin 2.0 from Google, i4 Solutions has released new data showing the impact on local business results. The study shows a negative impact on small businesses and a favorable impact on listing services.

I4 Solutions has recently revealed new data regarding how clients of their Internet marketing firm have been impacted by the Penguin 2.0 update from Google. While most updates have little or no impact on low cost search engine optimization efforts, this May-June 2013 update is different. The new study indicates that major engines are now giving a higher level of credibility to local listing services that display business ratings. This includes searches such as: dentists in Los Angeles, attorneys in Chicago, and accountants in Houston. For many small business owners who had good rankings for these terms prior to this update, those rankings have been effectively eroded away.

What does the new update mean for the future of optimization?

Although the new algorithm makes it harder for small business to compete with affordable SEO services that used to work rather easily, it does not prevent them from a page one win. However frustrating this may be to business owners regarding their low cost search engine optimization efforts, there is no need to panic. As an experienced Internet marketing firm, i4 Solutions can vouch for the fact that Google generally finds and fixes issues with their algorithms in an expedient manner—based on client feedback. “Nearly every time an update is posted, the playing field is a bit unlevel,” said Brandon Anderson, Co-Founder of i4 Solutions, “but it would be impossible for Google to anticipate and solve these issues without client feedback.”

How can a business recover lost ranking status?

Through more diverse, affordable SEO services, a business can claim back the ground lost from this new search update. However, not all low cost search engine optimization is equal, and many companies have failed to adapt to the new changes. Every Internet marketing firm should take the initiative to seek out higher quality links to accommodate the new algorithm changes. Some of the reporting in this new study has also shown exact match domains are now being beat out by Yelp after holding the top position for years. There have been many dentists shaken out of their positions in local markets, and clients who offer items such as solar panels have been affected as well. Again, while these changes are painful for some businesses that were limping along with their traffic prior to the updates, the major engines are good at leveling the playing field, and there should soon be new adjustments that give back rankings to small business owners. For the time being, however, local listing sites such as Yelp will get to enjoy an extra bump in their traffic. For more information, please visit: http://www.i4.net.